1991 Mazda Protege
Introduction:
The 1991 Mazda Protege is a compact car offered in sedan and hatchback body styles. It came with a 1.8-liter inline-four engine that produced 110 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Protege was praised for its sporty handling, affordability, and fuel efficiency, but some owners have reported various issues with the vehicle.
Engine
- 1.8L Inline-Four
Transmission
- 5-Speed Manual
Suspension
- Strut and coil spring front suspension, multi-link rear suspension
- Suspension noise Description/Symptoms: Rattling or clunking sounds coming from the front or rear suspension while driving over bumps or rough roads. Solution: Replacing worn or damaged suspension components, such as struts, shocks, or control arms. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Steering rack failure Description/Symptoms: Difficulty turning the steering wheel or excessive play in the steering. Fluid may also leak from the steering rack. Solution: Replacing the steering rack with a new or refurbished unit. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
Electrical
- Alternator failure Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, or difficulty starting the car. Solution: Replacing the alternator with a new one. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Battery drain Description/Symptoms: Battery drains quickly even after a short drive. Solution: Identifying and repairing any electrical components or circuits that are drawing excessive current, such as a faulty alternator, starter, or interior light. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Door lock actuator failure Description/Symptoms: Door locks fail to operate or work intermittently. Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
Exterior
- Body rust Description/Symptoms: Rust spots or corrosion on the body panels, particularly around the wheel wells, doors, or trunk. Solution: Removing the rust and repairing or replacing the affected body parts. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the rust damage.
Interior
- HVAC system failure Description/Symptoms: Heater, ventilation, or air conditioning system fails to operate properly or blows only hot or cold air. Solution: Inspecting and repairing or replacing faulty HVAC components, such as the blower motor, compressor, or evaporator core. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Carpet stains Description/Symptoms: Stains or discoloration on the carpeting. Solution: Cleaning or replacing the carpeting. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
Summary:
The 1991 Mazda Protege is generally a reliable car, but certain issues can affect its performance and comfort. Although some of the issues, such as body rust and HVAC system failure, may require significant repairs, most of the problems are relatively minor and can be resolved at a reasonable cost. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are crucial to maintain the Protege’s reliability and prevent costly problems in the future.